The Montreal Canadiens deserved better on this night.
That, and $3.25, will get you a cup of coffee.
On a night when the Canadiens could have taken a stranglehold 3-1 series lead on the Boston Bruins, they watched helplessly as the Bruins snuck one past Carey Price during a wild scramble in front of the Habs’ netminder to eke (EEK!) out a 1-0 win and send this second-round series back to Boston all tied up at two.
This best-of-five is now a best-of-three. It could very well end up being a best-of-one.
The hero for the Bruins on this night was Matt Fraser, with the winning goal coming at 1:19 of overtime. Hardly enough time for the ice to dry after 60-minutes of scoreless hockey. Pretty heady stuff for a guy who was playing in Providence just 24 hours earlier before being called up by the Bruins.
This was a listless game for the better part of 60 minutes, although both teams did have their chances, particularly young Michael Bournival. Number 49 skated miles out there and got his licks in on Tuukka Rask, but was unable to beat the Boston goaltender, who was seeing the puck all night long. Bournival finished with four shots on goal; one back of Brian Gionta (who worked his ass off all night) and Andrei Markov. Lars Eller also put in a strong effort. However, it was the Gionta, Eller, Bourque line on the ice for the winning (losing) goal, along with Mike Weaver and Douglas Murray.
The Canadiens managed to put together their best period of hockey over the final 20 minutes, outshooting Boston 14-7 in the third. Carey Price? He was perfect through 60 minutes. But, in the end, it didn’t matter one iota. The Bruins were the ones to “Get Lucky”, with apologies to Daft Punk, much to the stunned amazement of everyone in the building.
Max Pacioretty? One shot on goal. I thought Dale Weise and his one shot on goal was a bigger offensive threat in this game than Pacioretty was.
Thomas Vanek? Zero shots on goal.
Daniel Briere? Not seeing much playoff magic from him these days, although it is rather difficult to produce much playoff magic when you see 8:02 seconds of ice time, as was the case in game four.
Matt Fraser??!?! Really?!?!?!
Really.
HEFTER ON THE HABS 